1997 FORD EXPLORER check engine

switch Off and have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible.
Air ride switch off
The air ride suspension switch is
off. Refer toAir suspension
systemin theControls and
featureschapter for more
information.
Change oil soon
The engine oil life remaining is 5%
or less. After you have the oil
changed, you must reset the M/C
Oil Life Left feature as follows:
1. Turn the ignition to the On or
Acc position.
2. Press and hold the OIL
CHANGE RESET control for five
seconds. After a successful reset,
the message center will display
ªOIL LIFE RESET TO 100%.º
You may also set a Personalized Oil
Reset Procedure using the
following:
1. Turn the ignition to the ON or
ACC position.
2. Press and hold the OIL
CHANGE RESET control and press
the RESET control while the
display is counting down the five
seconds to reset. The display will
ENGLISH
METRICRANGESTATUS
ECONRESETSYSTEM
CHECKOIL CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
uno_air_ride
uno_change_oil
Instrumentation
21

change to ªSTART OIL LIFE AT
XXX%.º
3. Press the OIL CHANGE RESET
control until the displayed
percentage is the Personalized Oil
Reset Percentage you desire.
Check charging system
The electrical system is not
maintaining a proper voltage. Have
the electrical system checked as
soon as safely possible.
Check engine temp
The engine coolant is overheating.
Refer toEngine coolant
temperature gaugein the
Instrumentationchapter for more
information regarding the engine
coolant system.
Check exterior lamps
At least one brake lamp, rear side
marker or low beam headlamp is
burned out. To determine which
lamp is burned out:
1. Turn ignition switch to OFF to
reset M/C.
- +H
L
H
C
uno_check_charging_system uno_check_engine_temp
uno_check_exterior_lamps
Instrumentation
22

get a false warning or no warning
at all.
Door ajar
The ignition switch is in the On or
Start position and a door is open.
Low fuel level
The fuel level is low.
Low oil level
The oil level is low. Refer to
Checking and adding engine oil
in theMaintenance and
carechapter for more information.
Low washer fluid
The washer fluid reservoir is less
than one quarter full.
F
E
H
L
uno_door_ajar
uno_low_fuel uno_low_oil
uno_low_washer
Instrumentation
24

Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the
engine's idle revolutions per
minute (RPM). When the engine
starts, the idle RPM runs faster to
warm the engine. If the engine idle
speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle
checked. Do not allow the vehicle
to idle for more than ten minutes.
Extended idling at high
engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the
engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other
damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive
your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust
system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle
in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start
the engine. SeeGuarding
against exhaust fumesin this
chapter for more instructions.
com_important_precautions.05
Starting
110

Improve vehicle ventilation by
keeping all air inlet vents clear of
snow, leaves and other debris.
Guarding against exhaust
fumes
Although odorless and colorless,
carbon monoxide is present in
exhaust fumes. Take precautions
to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust
fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect and fix your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes. These
fumes are harmful and could kill
you.
Have the exhaust and body
ventilation systems checked
whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service
²the sound of the exhaust system
changes
²the vehicle has been damaged in
a collision
Preparing to start the vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system. This system
meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
com_guarding_exhaust.01
uno_preparing_start
Starting
112

Make sure the following lights
illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle
serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is
fastened, the
light does not
illuminate.
STARTING
Special conditions when
starting
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 5 (Start)
without pressing the accelerator
and release as soon as the engine
starts. The key will return to 4
(On).
2. If the engine does not start
within five seconds, wait ten
seconds and try again.
3. If the engine does not start in
two attempts OR the temperature
is below Ð12ÉC (10ÉF), depress
0ABS
- +
P RND21RPM x 1000
12345
6- +
H
H
L LH
C
F
E
!BRAKE
CHECK
GAGE
0
20
1030405060
70
80
90
110
120000000
oooo
10020406080100
120
140
160
180
MPH km/hDOOR
AJARCHECK
GAUGE
O/D
OFF4WD
LOW 4WD SPEED
CONT
3
2
1
5
4
uno_special_conditions_title
uno_starting_vehicle
Starting
115

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for
easy location.
²As possible, we design parts that
can be replaced without tools.
²We provide you with a ªService
Guideº which makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle
easy.
If your vehicle requires
professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary
parts and service. Check your
ªWarranty Information Bookletº to
find out which parts and services
are covered.
Use only recommended fuels,
lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
Steps to take before performing
maintenance
Precautions when servicing
your vehicle
Be especially careful when
inspecting or servicing your
vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²If you must work with the
engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that
com_service_recommendations.01
uno_servicing_title
com_precautions_servicing.01
Maintenance and care
165

5.0L engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
3. Engine oil fill cap
4. Transmission fluid dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Radiator cap
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Ignition coil packs
12. Air filter assembly
1
236
7
54
81011912
com_check-add_oil.01
Maintenance and care
172